Create a scene with a scholarship for Mountview’s Scenic Art and Prop Making foundation degree

Famous for drama and musical theatre training, Mountview is now offering a full scholarship to its Scenic Art and Prop Making foundation degree, as Paul Vale discovers

Following a hiatus of several years, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is collaborating with
The Stage to provide a full scholarship for its FdA Scenic Art and Prop Making course. To the chosen student, this two-year foundation degree course is worth £18,720. Mountview may have an enviable reputation for drama and musical theatre training, but the academy has been providing training in scenic art and prop making for 40 years on its Theatre Production Arts course.

Tessa Gillett, head of marketing, explains Mountview’s very special place in the industry.

“What makes Mountview unique is that we are also a public arts organisation, offering a full adult education programme. We have an open building with cafes and bars in the heart of Peckham, which opened in September, complete with two theatres. Scholarships in technical theatre disciplines occur rarely, so we thought it would be good to diversify the pool of scholarships that The Stage offers. It’s a two-year foundation degree, and then after the two years there is an option to take our BA top-up year, which takes it to a full bachelor’s degree.”

The course, validated by the University of East Anglia, places an emphasis on developing specialist skills and practical problem-solving in scenic art and prop making. You’ll learn a range of skills including puppet making, scenic painting, fantasy costume construction and even upholstery. Mountview produces 20 fully supported plays and musicals a year and the students will be working on these productions, alongside professional set designers and practitioners. Upon graduation, career opportunities don’t lie only in theatre, as there is demand for skilled designers and makers in heritage and culture, theme parks, film and television.

“It’s a combination of technical theatre and art and design. Students work across many areas, so they will gain make-up and prosthetics experience alongside their scenic painting and model making. It’s a creative, artistic course.”

When it comes to your application, Gillett is keen to point out artistic ability might be more valuable than art qualifications.

“Curiosity and commitment are the two big things and a demonstrable interest in art and design. It’s not so much that we want someone with an A level in art, but we would expect someone interested in this course to be doing a lot of drawing, painting or designing in their spare time, and have a portfolio to share.”

Mountview welcomes applications from people with disabilities and is keen to support all applicants. This year, for the first time, Graeae Theatre Company, which specialises in training and creating theatre with D/deaf and disabled artists, is supporting The Stage Scholarships programme. It will provide advice, support, guidance and a professional mentor for up to three students identifying as D/deaf and/or disabled and recruited through the scheme. If you would like to be considered, please indicate this on your application.

Course details

Course: Two-year FdA in Scenic Art and Prop MakingEducational level: Post-schoolNumber of scholarships offered: OneValue of scholarship: £18,720.What costs are covered? FeesWhere is the school? 120 Peckham Hill Street, London SE15 5JTLikely interview date: Flexible dates by interview early in the year.How do I apply? Fill out the form on the Mountview website stating you wish to be considered for The Stage Scholarship. All applicants will receive an interview. Offers will be based on your application, interview, portfolio and two references. You must be aged 18 years or over at the start of the FdA course.

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